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Johannesburg – "I will not resign," suspended national commissioner Riah Phiyega told journalists on Wednesday during a press briefing.

"I have repeatedly said on the record that I seek no financial gain. Resignation is also not in my purview as I just want the opportunity to clear my name through due process, which I believe the schedule inquiry will provide," she said.

Phiyega was responding to the announcement by Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (IPID) acting head Isreal Kgamanye that criminal charges had been opened against her and North West police commissioner, Zukiswa Mbombo for defeating the ends of justice. They allegedly obstructed the Farlam Commission of Inquiry's work into the Marikana massacre.

Phiyega, however, said she remained focused on the inquiry established by President Jacob Zuma into the allegations of misconduct and her capacity to execute official duties efficiently.

"These sideshows that continue to tarnish my name are meant to delay very crucial preparations for [the] looming inquiry into my fitness to hold office," she said.

Phiyega said the "sideshows" which abuse public funds attempting to run parallel with the apex presidential inquiry strengthened her resolve to face the courts. She said, under the circumstances, the courts were the only just and fair platform to which she could resort.

"... The abuse of public funds in an attempt to run parallel investigations ahead of the inquiry clearly seek to undermine any measure of truth the board of inquiry will unearth...," she said.

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